Two arrested for allegedly robbing a Visalia driver at knifepoint

VISALIA, California (KSEE/KGPE) – Two people were arrested early Saturday morning in Visalia after allegedly flagging down a driver and robbing them at knifepoint, Visalia police said.

The victim was driving in the area of Houston Avenue and Santa Fe Street around 3:40 a.m. when she was waved down by a woman, Sgt. Gary Williams said. A man approached after the driver stopped and held her at knifepoint.

The driver’s personal property was taken by the woman, and then both suspects fled on foot, Williams said. Officers arrived and found them a short distance away.

The suspects, Ofelia Gallardo, 48, and Enrique Ruiz, 30, were arrested and booked into the Tulare County Jail for conspiracy and robbery, Williams said. Officers were able to return the driver’s personal property.